U.S.S. Oak Hill (LSD 51)
Saturday Morning 06/25/2011
Slideshow
From The Official U.S.S. Oak Hill Website;
USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) (originally LSD 7)
Our History
Originally designated as APM-7, USS OAK HILL (LSD 7) was laid down in Oakland, California and commissioned on January 5, 1944, with Commander Carl A. Peterson in command. The ship was designed to serve as a cargo and transport type amphibious ship and as a floating drydock.
Following shakedown and amphibious training off Southern California, OAK HILL engaged in rehearsals for “Operation Forager”, the thrust into the Marianas Islands. With tank bearing transports and troops of the 2nd Marine Division on board, she operated in the transport area off Saipan from June 15-22, 1944. On August 12, OAK HILL, with tanks and soldiers of the 710th Tank Battalion embarked, headed for the Palau Operation at Guadalcanal. Departing the Palaus on August 21, she proceeded to New Guinea, arriving at Humbolt Bay on August 29, to prepare for the invasion of the Philippines.
On October 20, 1944, OAK HILL stood off Leyte Gulf and launched units of the 1st Cavalry Division toward White Beach. For the next two months she carried reinforcements from New Guinea to Leyte. On Christmas Day, she arrived at Morotai to prepare for the Lingayen Gulf offensive. CLICK BELOW FOR MORE ON THE; U.S.S. Oak Hill
http://www.oak-hill.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/History.htm
http://www.oak-hill.navy.mil/default.htm
Good Morning Gloucester 
Thanks for the great pics and info, I was wondering what her background story was.
Jenn
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I saw this ship while deep sea fishing. Very cool, but since she’s only 20 years old, I don’t think she served in WWII. That was the previous USS Oak Hill.
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Yes jim it’s the previous LSD 51, My dad served in the same group on lsd 17 as an LCVP pilot. MY DAD STILL HAS NIGHTMARES OF LANDING YOUNG KIDS SUCHAS HIMSELF BACK THEN.Saipan, tinian palua etc. etc. The Navy has a tradition to carry on the groups numbers whatever. when you see an oldtimer on the streets wearing their shiPShat from 60+ years ago and thank them for their service your thanking more than themselves but aLL THE OTHERS THAT WERE PUT IN HARMS WAY AND GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!!
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